I’ve had the pleasure of being trained by Sammy since the 6th grade. During that time Sammy has been not only an incredible trainer but also a great friend and role model. Since then he has taken me to heights I would not have been able to reach by myself, including a full scholarship to division 1 Lafayette.

Definitely wouldn’t be who I am as far as a person and a basketball player if it wasn’t for Sammy. He has been a big brother to me since the  day we started working out together. I’ll always continue to appreciate the work he puts in with me to help me throughout the rest of my college and professional basketball career.

Sammy wants to bring the best out of you in all aspects of life. He is more than a great basketball trainer to me, he is a role model.

To put it simply, I am playing college basketball because Sammy developed my skills to play at that level. He has perfected my shooting form, “from the dribble to shooting pocket up” a rhythm that I won’t forget. Sammy is not only my basketball trainer but also my life mentor; I wouldn’t be where I am without him!

Sammy is a fun trainer who likes to get after it every workout. The thing I liked the most about Sammy’s training was his attention to detail in the drills. He emphasized the little details in each rep, those details helped me see great improvement in my skill.

Training with Sammy Barona has been one of my highlights and game defining experiences of my life. Starting with the feeling of love and brotherhood Sammy shows from first training to present day. He is relentless in the aspect of always giving me his foremost attention. He is meticulous. Spotting every minor mistake or variance helping me perfect my craft and maximizing my potential. I would like to thank him for treating me like family always into the Lab family. “Grind now, shine later!"

What the lab has meant to me is Family. I started from nothing, coming from a serious leg injury. I put on 40 lbs and everyone forgot about me besides Coach B, he was with me through the tough parts and great parts of my life. I wouldn’t be a 1000 pt. Scorer if it wasn’t for him and for that I’m forever grateful. It is some of the best training I ever done and has really carried over onto the court!

Julia Buchman --Parkland H.S./Mercyhurst University---  “ever since I started training in the lab, Sammy has instilled a drive in me to not just go through the motions and drills, but to get better and improve my craft everyday. He pushes me on the court and also pushes me as an individual by teaching us life lessons of hardwork and perseverance”.

Claire Courter---- Parkland HS/East Stroudsburg University--  Sammy Barona is the epitome of positivity, whether it be on or off the court. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor to teach mental toughness that applies to all parts of life. He has elevated my game on the court and my attitude towards life.

Kass Stout ---Parkland H.S./ Muhlenberg University ----“I began my journey with Sammy and the Lab when I was in 4th grade. Sammy didn’t just focus on my post moves, he focused on developing all of my skill sets as a basketball player. Sammy taught me to be the best version of myself on and off the court. I have newfound confidence that wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for him. I am blessed to have found a second family in the Lab!